Barry returns from death’s door to conduct the Midland Voice Choir

Barry Todd, who founded the now 230-strong Midland Voice Choir, suffered a massive brain aneurysm in October and was in intensive car for almost three weeks.

His wife Carol, who is also a member of the choir and a pianist, played recordings of the choir to try to connect with him while he was unconscious.

Fellow member Alan Tyers said: “At one point he actually whistled in response to one of the songs. As he says, ‘music has been my life, and now it’s been my life saver’.

“Six months on, he is getting better and stronger by the day and determined to conduct the choir at our show on June 28. He has had his first fitting of his new leg and is hoping to do it standing on two legs. There’s no doubt his courage, determination and support from everyone in the choir has helped save his life.”

The concert, featuring accompaniment by the Midland Voice Orchestra, takes place at Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday at 7.30pm. For tickets, call 024 7652 4524.